Book Description
In one volume, the screenplays to two contemporary classics, directed by Richard Linklater, and starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, about the immediate and life-altering attraction between two strangers.
On a train from Budapest to Vienna, Jesse, a young American student, at the end of a romance and his European trip, meets Celine, a young French woman. They are immediately attracted. Despite knowing this may be the only time they will see each other, in the next few hours in the city of Vienna, they share everything and promise to meet again. Nearly a decade later, Jesse, now a novelist on a publicity tour, sees Celine in a bnookstore in Paris. Again their time is short, and they spend it reestablishing the connection they experienced on their first meeting. Romantic, poignant, understated, and often profound, these two screenplays are sure to become classics in their own right.
Customer Reviews:
Instant Classic! Romantic Comedy at its finest .......2006-06-11
Isn't it every true Romantic's dream to meet the man or woman of your dreams, and spend at least one perfect night with your perfect mate? If so, then these screenplays are for you. Before Sunrise and Before Sunset have long been an inspiration to me, as a writer and a dreamer and a hoper, and I'm positive, if you are a writer or just a dreamer and hoper, then you too will love these nearly perfect editions of two nearly perfect love stories.
For fans, fascinating!.......2005-05-11
While it has no photos or interviews or anything, luckily this book is NOT a simple transcript of the two films as released. The book offers the original shooting scripts, and as such, it is a really interesting document for those who dig the films -- there are some deleted scenes and many extended dialogue sequences and things that were ultimately done differently when filmed, especially with SUNRISE (we learn what Jesse's job is on the train, there is a non-verbal scene at a hot dog stand, etc.). There is nothing shocking about this, but it is interesting to see what materials were deleted, shifted, and how the actors add their own bent to the written dialoge, SUNSET has no deleted scenes, but there are many deleted/ altered dialogue passages (apparently, Jesse was thinking of basing his song-based novel on the "Long and Winding Road" in the original draft, although this passage is excised from the film).
Of course, the edits were all the artists choices, whether for pacing or aesthetic reasons, so if you just want to stick with the films, fine. But for fans of these two films, I would likely say that the book will really be enjoyable, as it offers what the movies have, just more of the same!
Average customer rating:
- Before Sunrise
- I liked it!!!!
- Could have been a better Sunrise!
- So-So
- Suspense and a wonderful love story
|
Before Sunrise (Hqn Romance)
Diana Palmer
Manufacturer: HQN Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
General
| Romance
| Subjects
| Books
Romantic Suspense
| Romance
| Subjects
| Books
Palmer, Diana
| ( P )
| Authors, A-Z
| Romance
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Contemporary
| Romance
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Romance Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
( P )
| Authors, A-Z
| Romance
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Contemporary
| Romance
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Romance
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Romantic Suspense
| Romance
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
All 4-for-3 Deals
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Boss Man (The Long Tall Texans) (Silhouette Desire)
-
Night Fever (Mira Hardbacks)
-
Outsider (Hqn Romance)
-
The Men Of Medicine Ridge
-
Heartbreaker (Silhouette Desire)
ASIN: 0373771207 |
Book Description
Jeremiah Cortez thought he'd left the past behind him -- especially the part of his past concerning Phoebe Keller. Once she had stirred his world-weary soul. Now, years later, seeing the blond beauty again sparks dormant desires. But he has to push his emotions aside -- he has new ties that can't be broken.
Phoebe thought her feelings for Cortez were buried as deep as the artifacts she studies in her museum. An expert in Native American culture, she has her doubts when an anthropologist claims to have discovered a Neanderthal skeleton on a nearby reservation. But before Phoebe can pursue the matter, the professor in question turns up dead -- and the FBI sends Cortez to investigate.
Now, as the two delve further into the murder, they find themselves entangled in a world of conspiracy, deception...and a love more powerful than anything they've ever known.
Download Description
Jeremiah Cortez and Phoebe Keller haven't seen each other in three years. But now they have to work together to solve a murder on an archeological site, leading them to dig up conspiracy, deception...and love.
Customer Reviews:
Before Sunrise.......2007-08-28
Ok - this was a pretty good book. The cool thing about it is the male lead, Cortez, a stoic and intensely private Comanche with waist length hair, who is working and/or has worked for a number of governmental agencies in some possibly dubious capacities. He in turn is strongly attracted to a blond, blue-eyed anthropologist from his past that has stumbled upon a murder on an Indian reservation. Some of this story is predictable and I've read other of Palmer's books that practically smoked from the sexual tension, however, this book definitely had its strong points as well.
I liked it!!!!.......2007-07-16
SO many of dp's books has the nasty hero with young naive heroine. I liked Cortez. He was not as cruel and nasty as the hero's in some of the other books. Yes, he hurt Phoebe but there was an understandable reason. IF he had been honest with Phoebe, she wouldn't have suffered so much hurt but then we wouldn't have a story. Even if there wasn't as much depth to the characters, I still enjoyed the story. I did have trouble believing Phoebe would put her life in danger just because she was angry with Cortez and his cousin who yes acted like a brat but you don't take life threatening chances because you're angry with someone. Then again I suppose it was necessary for the story. It's still a good read!
Could have been a better Sunrise!.......2007-03-08
Basically I liked this book--the story and the characters, but felt a little cheated by Ms. Palmer's aversion to in depth research and the character turns. Firstly when we met Phoebe and Cortez in another book, Phoebe was a very strong woman. I hardly think that she would have gone off the deep end the way she was portrayed in this book. Somehow I can't see her cutting her hair, moving to a small town and wearing dowdy clothes. Cortez is a fascinating character and I felt Palmer developed his psyche much better than Phoebe's. I felt the research done on stolen artifacts and how law enforcement works in general was poor. The dialog was stilted whenever she dealt with stolen artifacts and the law enforcement scenes. She called them "loot" several different times. Does anyone use that word anymore? I also, this is a pet peeve with this author, wish she'd talk to someone about fashion. She calls Aigner a pricey french designer. Maybe at one time, but in today's fashion world this is not true. She'd have been better off saying Chanel or Gucci. Ms. Palmer is a well enough known romance writer that she could pick up the phone and call her chief of police, the FBI or even the library to do a better research job. As I said earlier--I actually liked the book, but then I would come upon stilted dialog, words that are rarely used in today's vernacular and the book would hit a jarring note. Please Ms. Palmer--do your research.
I was glad though that Phoebe was a more faceted character than many of her females. I've been on a Palmer reading spree and I've gotten very tired of big, strong, mean man fighting his attraction for mousy secretary type. This was more a meeting of equals.
So-So.......2007-01-30
Cortez was fine, goodlooking, smart, and all that, and Phoebe was great, although I don't understand why D.P. likes such an age difference between her characters (it's believable in past centuries because it was so common, but not sure about present day).
I was starting to get annoyed with these two kissing passionately, then stopping, over and over again.
The actual story wasn't bad. I live in NC and find Native American history fascinating.
But like many of D.P.'s books, (which I've complained about before), the dialogue is so formal, it doesn't seem at all how someone would talk.
Suspense and a wonderful love story.......2007-01-04
Jeremiah Cortez is one of the most haunting heroes I have ever read about. He stayed with me for day - his tragedy, his sacrifices, his need for a love he thought he didn't deserve. Phoebe, crushed by what she saw three years ago as his rejection, dragged herself back from the rbink of emotional destruction to build a new life for herself. Then circumstances forced a reunion with Jermaih, a situation that forced them to work together closely. Lose your heart to them as they sturggle to build the relationship once lost.
Average customer rating:
- Slow Story
- I Am Not Impressed!
- My sentiments exactly
- Impossible to but down!
- Anni moves to California to start over and finds love&danger
|
Just Before Sunrise
Carla Neggers
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Suspense
| Thrillers
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
Neggers, Carla
| ( N )
| Authors, A-Z
| Romance
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Romance
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Contemporary
| Romance
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Romance Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Suspense
| Thrillers
| Mystery & Thrillers
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
( N )
| Authors, A-Z
| Romance
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Contemporary
| Romance
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Romance
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
All 4-for-3 Deals
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Night Scents
-
Finding You
-
On Fire
-
A Rare Chance
-
White Hot (Pocket Books Romance)
ASIN: 0671883224 |
Amazon.com
Everyone in Just Before Sunrise is incredibly likable from Otto, the good-for-nothing rottweiler, to the ever versatile (and sexy) Garvin MacCrae to spunky Annie Payne who isn't afraid to move herself from Maine to San Francisco after her family's cottage has been washed to sea. Unafraid of natural disasters--Annie plunges into her new life--right up to her eyeballs in a five-year murder mystery. Luckily she has a "good eye" and sees her way clear of danger.
Book Description
Carla Neggers' sizzling novels are loved for their deliciously funny dialogue, electrifying suspense, and heart-stopping romance. Here, the New York Times bestselling author presents a fast-paced, scintillating tale of love, art, and danger....
JUST BEFORE SUNRISE
Annie Payne realizes her dream when she moves to San Francisco and opens an art gallery. But when she accepts a secret commission to bid for a painting going on the auction block, she finds herself thrown into a haunting swirl of events linked to a five-year-old unsolved murder. Who is this secret client?
Marina owner Garvin MacCrae was determined to have the portrait of his late wife, and knows of only one person who would want it enough to outbid him. Could the intriguing art dealer who represented the auction winner hold the key to the mystery of his wife's death? Working together to untangle a murderer's clues, Garvin and Annie strike so many sparks off each other that they could start another San Francisco fire -- a four-alarmer fueled by an explosive mix of suspicion, attraction, and love.
Download Description
"Carla Neggers' sizzling novels are loved for their deliciously funny dialogue, electrifying suspense, and heart-stopping romance. Here, the New York Times bestselling author presents a fast-paced, scintillating tale of love, art, and danger.... JUST BEFORE SUNRISE Annie Payne realizes her dream when she moves to San Francisco and opens an art gallery. But when she accepts a secret commission to bid for a painting going on the auction block, she finds herself thrown into a haunting swirl of events linked to a five-year-old unsolved murder. Who is this secret client? Marina owner Garvin MacCrae was determined to have the portrait of his late wife, and knows of only one person who would want it enough to outbid him. Could the intriguing art dealer who represented the auction winner hold the key to the mystery of his wife's death? Working together to untangle a murderer's clues, Garvin and Annie strike so many sparks off each other that they could start another San Francisco fire -- a four-alarmer fueled by an explosive mix of suspicion, attraction, and love. "
Customer Reviews:
Slow Story.......2005-11-05
I have to agree with the review just before me. This was so slow it actually stopped, just kept repeating itself. One of the unusual things I noticed was how the author used everyone's last names with their first in just about every instance. It was always Annie Payne like it was one name, and Thomas Linwood and Haley Linwood MacCrae like we would forget who she meant. There was only one character for each name involved. It was extremely slow reading to get to the unexciting confrontation of the killer 14 pages before the end. I have read two more recent works by Carla Neggers that were much better, but this was takes the booby prize.
I Am Not Impressed!.......2004-08-15
Annie Payne lost her father when she was just a baby, her mother when she was sixteen, and her beloved grandmother, an artist, the year before. But she had a wonderful job, as the director of a small maritime museum, the home she grew up in - a cottage on the beautiful Maine coast, her friends and her close companion, Otto, a friendly rottweiler, (not an oxymoron) - so she was happy. Then a nor'easter blew in and swept her home into the sea. That's when she packed her bags, and Otto, into her rusting station wagon and drove cross-country to begin her life anew in San Franciscio - and to realize her dream to open an art gallery.
Mission accomplished in a relatively short time, Annie accepted a commission from one of her gallery's first visitors, an eccentric older woman, who happens to be an extremely talented artist. She asked Annie to represent her at an auction and bid, to win, on a painting. Enthused at the idea of one day exhibiting this painter's work, Annie accepts and finds herself neck deep in a five year-old double murder mystery, involving San Francisco's society elite.
This is the first book I have read by Carla Neggers. I was attracted to the author when I saw one of her book titles on Amazon.com and read glowing reviews. I picked up this novel expecting to be wowed (!) and instead found myself disappointed. Now, "Just Before Sunrise" is not a bad book. I did find it boring, however - and I am rarely bored. I think the story, and the way it is told, is repetitous. Annie keeps going back and forth between her elderly patron, Sarah, the love interest and hero, Gavin, and to everyone else who is remotely involved with the auctioned painting. All the conversations are similar and they are all about the same subject. There's not much substance to the romance or to the mystery - which I figured out about 100 pages into the story. And the characters are not very exciting or original- except for Otto. So, I can't figure out what all the excitement is about. I will probably read another novel by Ms. Neggers someday. I don't give up easily, especially when it seems like she has such loyal fans.
JANA
My sentiments exactly.......2000-06-11
This is a great story. I will not go into my synopsis as the other two reviewers before me did a terrific job at it. I enjoyed the chemistry between Annie and Garvin. I was completely shocked to find out who the real killer was as usually I can figure it out before it's disclosed. My guesses were wrong. This was my second Carla Neggers book, my first was Kiss the Moon, another good story. I will definitely read more of her, a terrific writer.
Impossible to but down!.......1997-09-02
Very Highly Recommended -
After the death of her beloved Grandmother, and a storm that swept her Maine home into the sea, Annie Payne packed her car with a few remaining possessions, Otto, a mild-mannered rottweiler, and headed for San Francisco. Using the last of the insurance money, she opens an art gallery in a converted Victorian. Carrying an eclectic mix of art and crafts, the shop reflects its owner: warm, inviting, and all together too trusting. It is precisely this attribute that embroils Annie in a five-year-old double murder when she agrees to bid on a painting at an auction. When the portrait turns-out to be that of the murdered woman, and the man who bids against her, the widower, Annie knows she's in way over her head. Yet loyalty to the old lady who hired her to buy the painting runs deep. Annie is not one to cut and run at the first signs of trouble, but trouble, named Gavin MacCrae, soon comes knocking at her door.
Despite the brutal death of his wife, Gavin forged ahead with his life, leaving his former job to open a marina. If not happy, he is at least content -- until he meets Annie. Old memories begin to surface as do people from his past. Annie's fierce loyalty and tenacious determination to solve the double murder anger and intrigue him. She brings him back to life with her youthful exuberance, and awakens a seething passion only she can tame.
The attraction between Annie and Gavin sizzles as they desperately attempt to find the murderer before he makes another attack. From the social art scene in San Francisco to the picturesque waterfront of Marin County, Just Before Sunrise weaves a classic mystery of romance and intrigue.
Carla Neggers knows the secret to good writing. She introduces her characters with finesse and understandings, letting the reader discover their idiosyncrasies and quirks. Before we know it they worm their way into our hearts. Ms. Neggers masters the art of storytelling. Plotting is her specialty. A book with her name on the cover assures an excellent read.
Kathee S. Car
Anni moves to California to start over and finds love&danger.......1997-02-12
When a coastal storm washed away Annie Payne's home, she is left with nothing but her grandmother's painting and her rottweiller. Deciding to start anew, Annie heads to San Francisco where she opens up an art gallery.
Annie has no concept of what she has agreed to when she accepts a commission to bid on a painting by a reclusive artist named Sarah at the Linwood estate. When she arrives at the auction, she finds herself in a bidding war with Gavin McRae, the widower of the model in the portrait. Annie later learns that Gavin's wife and grandfather were both murdered in the same room only a day apart five years ago.
The two people who may have the answers and the motivation for the crime, Sarah and her shady boy friend, Vic, vanished into thin air. Now Sarah and Vic have re-surfaced and Gavin is following Annie because he hopes to find the missing couple and because he cares for her. Annie is torn between her feelings towards Gavin and her need to protect Sarah. However, she cannot help but being thrust into a maelstrom of danger that could cost Annie her life.
Carla Neggers' brand of New England charm and humor would normally be out of place in the Bay area, but the writer's talent manages to enhance the tale with its uniqueness and freshness. JUST BEFORE SUNRISE is an exciting romantic suspense that sizzles with passion and a complex story line that turns the novel into another Neggers' winner.
Average customer rating:
|
Before sunrise: A novella
Mikhail Zoshchenko
Manufacturer: Ardis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
Eastern European
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Foreign Languages
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0882330616 |
Product Description
multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.
Average customer rating:
- The most romantic love we desired in a journey...
- There're signs everywhere!
- Excellent book to a great movie. Brilliant pictures.
- A treat for fans of the movie
- To still believe in love is fantastic.
|
Before Sunrise
Richard Linklater ,
Kim Krizan , and
Gabriela Brandenstein
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Movies
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Movie Tie-Ins
| Genre Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Performing Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
| Dance
| General
| Reference
| Theater
General
| Foreign Languages
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0312133456 |
Customer Reviews:
The most romantic love we desired in a journey..........1999-12-12
It is a great movie that we just can't miss it in our life. When a man meets a woman in the way like the movie goes, something is expected to happen. It is amazing that everything is so natual, so romantic.
The story makes me desiring a romantic love everytime I am in a journey...
It is pity that I miss the opening of the movie. I've tried to get the VCD of the picture but I can't make it in Hongkong. I can't find the book neither...
There're signs everywhere!.......1999-12-04
I was delighted by the movie, and immediately looked out for the book or anything related with it.
It's a subtle book, it shows in a very poetic way how communication can connect everyone. You can perceive it in every frame of the movie, is not casual that a location as Vienna has been choosen to develop the story.
Time, life, freedom, love, poetry, signs are important issues.
Excellent book to a great movie. Brilliant pictures........1999-04-08
Before Sunrise is one of my favorite movies of all time, and I can't imagine a better book to accompany it. What makes this book so great is that it does not contain the actual script, because I think the shots and technical description would just ruin the magic of the dialogue, which is the best thing about the movie. The pictures are brilliant (for they're not only copies of the film's shots), and the poem at the end of the book is simply a touch of genius. I lost the book, though. So I was wondering if anyone could help me find a copy. All expenses will be paid. Thanks!
A treat for fans of the movie.......1999-04-05
Anyone who was a fan of the movie "Before Sunrise" will want to have this book, which does *not* contain the actual script for the film, but does feature most of the wonderful dialogue along with a number of photos of Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke and a forward by Richard Linklater and Kim Krizan.
To still believe in love is fantastic........1999-02-12
Two people came together with nothing at all to offer each other except the probable opportunity to cause themselves pain and they didn't fear to love. (To love without the promise that there would be a tomorrow for them.) This is a good script and an incredible movie...Nice soundtrack unfortunately it is unavailable. Linklater is groovy!!
Average customer rating:
|
Before Sunrise
Diana Palmer
Manufacturer: Harlequin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NY5TMC |
Average customer rating:
|
Before sunrise: poems
Lydia Pasternak Slater
Manufacturer: Mitre Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
British
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
| 18th Century
| 19th Century
| 20th Century
| Classics
| Contemporary
| General
| Historical
| Humor
| Letters & Correspondence
| Middle
| Old
| Poetry
| Renaissance
| Shakespeare
| Short Stories
General
| Poetry
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0705101207 |
Average customer rating:
- Thorough Investigation
- Not the best
- Not what it claims to be...
- It's Alright
- Disinformation is right!
|
Da Vinci Code Decoded: The Truth Behind the New York Times #1 Bestseller
Martin Lunn
Manufacturer: Disinformation Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Popular Culture
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| World
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| History & Criticism
| United States
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
20th Century
| British
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
| Classics
| Comic
| Contemporary
| Literary
Saints
| Catholicism
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Church History
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
General
| World
| History
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
20th Century
| British
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| History & Criticism
| United States
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Popular Culture
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Saints
| Catholicism
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Church History
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
All 4-for-3 Deals
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Office Supplies
| Categories
| Office Products
| Bookmarks
| Calendars & Planners
| Cases, Folios & Travel
| Desk Accessories
| Desk Essentials
| Drafting Tools
| Filing, Binding & Storage
| Label Makers
| Labels, Tags & Tickets
| Money & Key Control
| Paper Pads, Notebooks & Clipboards
| Paper Punches & Folding Machines
| Paper, Forms & Envelopes
| Tally Counters
| Time Clocks & Cards
| Writing Instruments & Accessories
Similar Items:
-
Secrets of the Code: The Unauthorized Guide to the Mysteries Behind The Da Vinci Code
-
The Da Vinci Code: Special Illustrated Edition: A Novel
-
Holy Blood, Holy Grail
-
The Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code: A Challenging Response to the Bestselling Novel
-
The Da Vinci Code
Accessories:
-
Moleskine Pocket Ruled Notebook
ASIN: 0972952977 |
Book Description
Da Vinci Code is a modern-day publishing phenomenon. With millions of copies in print, it is the most popular adult novel of the 21st Century. In an introductory note, author Dan Brown tells us that "all descriptions of documents and secret rituals . . . are accurate." But are they? Many scholars and theologians have attacked the book and the "facts" on which it is based. Some claim that Brown is anti-Catholic. Book clubs, reading groups, dedicated web-sites and countless reviews and articles in magazines and newspapers worldwide have fueled the fire, making Da Vinci Code not only the most successful book of its kind ever, but also the most controversial.
Now Martin Lunn, an expert historian, reveals the truth behind Dan Brown's research. The reality of Catholic offshoot Opus Dei . . . the hard facts about the bloodline of Christ and King David . . . the origins of the Knights Templar and the infamous Priory of Sion . . . the secrets of Temple Church and Rosslyn Cathedral . . . the real Sauniere . . . the mysteries of Rennes-le-Chateau and much more.
Da Vinci Code Decoded also provides an exhaustive tour of the locations visited by the novel's characters: The Louvre Museum, l'Eglise de Saint-Sulpice and Rue Haxo in Paris; Chateau Villette; Temple Church; Westminster Abbey; Newton's tomb; Chapter House; St. Faith's Chapel; Rosslyn Chapel and many others.
Martin Lunn is a recognized expert in the Davidic bloodline and other issues presented in Da Vinci Code. He has a masters degree in history and an extensive background in journalism. He has lived throughout the Far and Middle East, the US and several countries in Europe, currently residing in Barcelona. He is also Grand Master of the Dragon Society, founded originally in 1408 by King Sigismund of Hungary.
Customer Reviews:
Thorough Investigation.......2007-05-08
This book by Lunn is extremely informative and gives both sides of the controversies presented in the Da Vinci Code. It is well researched and presented fairly.
Dan Browne was not the original conspiracy theorist--he has just got the fame and glory-- with the help of a lot of money and the media-- for making public a controversy that has existed for 2000 years! Another such novel, The Secret Order, was written before Browne's novel, but without the fame of the author, it went silently unnoticed, gathering dust on bookshelves. It is superior in many respects. Both novels used the same source material. Both present similar conjectures, however, The Secret Order, presents a foundation based on an actual/factual historic event--the life of Templar Jacques de Molay. If you enjoyed the Da Vinci Code, then take a look at The Secret Order. It ends on a note of hope and presents a new light to an age-old story.
Not the best.......2006-01-05
Yeah...this book basically seems to follow Dan Browne's to the letter. I had to laugh at another review of it, especially this line: "This is the only [commentary on The Da Vinci Code] written from a balanced, secular point of view."
As if a secular point of view is any less biased regarding God/religion than a religious one is. Hilarious.
If you want to know more, go for the Tony Robinson series on the Real Da Vinci Code, especially when he wants to excavate under the church. Brilliant stuff.
Not what it claims to be..........2005-09-24
The publication and subsequent widespread popularity of "The Da Vinci Code" has led to a host of books attempting to delve further into the subject matter and separate fact from fiction. The authors and producers of these books usually fall into two categories: those of the Christian faith that feel threatened and try to discredit everything Dan Brown presents in his novel; and those who wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Brown and seek to reinforce the subject matter of his novel. Additionally, in my personal opinion, both of these camps also seem to be motivated by a a desire to capitalize on the popularity of "The Da Vinci Code" for profitable gain. While these types of exploratory 'history' books (and I use that term very loosely in this case) no doubt succeed in clearing a decent profit margin they fail miserably as researched historical treatises on the subject matter of "The Da Vinci Code".
Both, "The Rough Guide To The Da Vinci Code" and "Da Vinci Code Decoded" purport to be properly researched exploratory works with the former taking the side of discrediting much of Mr. Brown's novel and the latter supporting much of it. However, what the astute reader will notice is that neither makes its case very well and both are guilty of the same gross error, namely not presenting any tangible historical reference to accompany the myriad of 'facts' (I use this term quite loosely as well) presented. By this I mean, whenever they present any information, whether it opposes or supports Mr. Brown, there is no specific reference as to where that information came from. As far as the reader knows, the author could be entirely fabricating the information themselves as there is no footnote and corresponding reference for the reader to check to ensure the author is not just asserting their own opinions as 'facts'. While that type of writing is entirely acceptable in a fictional novel such as "The Da Vinici Code", it is most unacceptable in non-fictional writing where the claim is made that the book presents researched historical facts. If the books are so well researched, where are the footnotes and references that will allow the reader to double check the facts themselves? These books are in essence 'he said / she said" publications where it is the word of the author against the word of Dan Brown, and as such are of no use in the realm of legitimate historical study.
Please do not be fooled by the authoritative style with which these books are written, as they are essentially just someone's opinion and should not be taken as fact. I would recommend the curious reader who desires to learn more about the subject matter of "The Da Vinici Code" to seek out and read academic historical texts for further information, but at the same time I would suggest taking that with a grain of salt as well. Historical facts have a tendency to become distorted and manipulated over the years to serve personal and national agendas. If you don't believe it is in human nature to manipulate historical accounts, consider this real world example: the Japanese government as of this day does not teach Japanese students about the atrocities and war crimes that Japan committed historically in Asia (atrocities and war crimes that are well documented by the rest of the international community). The details have been stricken, literally, from Japanese school history books. This is even more important when we remember that Japan actually lost World War II and yet they are still engaging in this type of activity. Imagine if they had won...furthermore, imagine if the Germans had won: would the attempted genocide of the Jews even be spoken of today much less remembered in a couple hundred years?
These are the types of things one must consider when studying history. So, if you want to learn more about the Da Vinci code, ignore "The Rough Guide To The Da Vinci Code" and "Da Vinci Code Decoded", do your own research, keep an open mind, and decide on your own what seems most likely from a logical standpoint.
It's Alright.......2005-06-25
While reading this book i noticed that first off he was slightly biased. He obviously did some research but not too much, as he just went over topics that were discussed in the da vinci code.
Let me just say this, there is no way, and I mean no way that we will ever know the truth of the origins of Jesus and Christianity. You really have to decide for yourself. The Bible obviously has a million flaws in it, its generally a book that promotes good values, but has little truth in it.
Whereas books like this use information from different people, which many people could argue could be flawed. This however is also a fair statement.
In this book for example, all of his references are from other books which they get their information from writers, which get their information from other writers and so on. So you see it is nearly impossible to get true information that could make a valid arguement.
You just have to decide for yourself what is most logical.
I would recommend just getting da vinci code, it's a much more entertaining read.
Disinformation is right!.......2005-06-02
Years before Dan Brown's book came out, I had read five books on the subject of the Holy Grail, and I even visited Renne le Chateau in the south of France. I finally concluded that this whole supposed mystery is just another campaign for European aristocrats to link their bloodline with that of Jesus. I am one of those conspiracy nuts who doesn't believe in accidental history. Many, if not most events, are planned well in advance to achieve a certain objective, ie, more control for the Powers That Be. Reviewers have derided this book due to its lack of facts and poor scholarship. Please tell me of one scholar who can prove that Jesus even existed. There isn't one shred of secular documented historical evidence proving the existence of this incredible man who performed miracles throughout the land. The Romans kept as meticulous records as the Nazis, and surely they would have noted and been alarmed by this rebel rouser in such a seditious area.
The real scandal is that the gospels were written by the Romans. I lived in Rome and studied Roman history for many years. I asked myself why the Romans, specifically the aristocratic Piso family, needed to create Christianity. First,it would be easier and particuarly unifying for the Romans to worship one central god, or SUN of god, and also simplier and more efficient to tithe. The New Testament ordains that one Render Under Caesar... which actually makes Caesar equal to god! And you must reverently pay taxes to him. Christianty would foster more loyalty and nationalism. The vestal virgin and goddess worship was presented in the virgin mother story. The religion would create new jobs with the construction of churches and monuments. There would be new positions to administer, indoctrinate and police the flock of followers. The Romans could continue to justify and sustain slavery because slaves could be placated by hope knowing they would receive their reward in heaven and continue to be obedient to their master as god commanded. People would not need to be independent thinkers and study philosophy as everything they needed to know was in the New Testament. To question its origins would be blasphemy and inspired by the Devil, a new common enemy to fight against. Unbelievable? What happened during the Dark Ages? This was understandable because only the wealthy were educated, but what excuse to people have today to accept such fairytales without any proof of its leader's authencity? Even worse, Fundamentalist Christians insist that the Bible was written by god, as if he actually penned the entire book which was written,and rewritten, over centuries. What a monumental and ingenious scam, along with the other two submission religions of the Jews and Muslims. Wake up people! Dan Brown's book and this one are prime examples of exploiting people's ignorance as the Holy Grail Mystery did to me until I began to unravel the whole Christian Con. Do your own research on this site or at Google: Piso and Jesus, etc
Books:
- Black & White & Noir
- Blacks in American Films and Television: An Encyclopedia
- Bram Stoker's Dracula: The Film and the Legend (A Newmarket Pictorial Moviebook)
- C IS FOR CLOWN (Bright & early books for beginning beginners)
- Channels of Discourse, Reassembled: Television and Contemporary Criticism
- Character Animation with LightWave [6]: Challenge Your Creativity with the Artist's Choice for Character Animation
- Chocolate: From Simple Cookies to Extravagant Showstoppers
- Citizen Kane (BFI Film Classics)
- Cold Mountain: The Journey from Book to Film (Newmarket Pictorial Moviebook Series)
- Colonialist Photography: Imag(in)ing Race and Place (Documenting the Image)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Stagecoach: Wells Fargo and the American West
- History: Fiction or Science
- China's Entry Into the World Trade Organization
- Capital Structure Decisions in Insitutional Buyouts
- Great Jobs for English Majors, 3rd ed.
- Heyday: A Novel
- High and Mighty: SUVs--The World's Most Dangerous Vehicles and How They Got That Way
- Direccion Organizacional
- Curb Rights: A Foundation for Free Enterprise in Urban Transit
- Stable management explained